The Organisation

Devon Wildlife Trust is the only charity that exists to safeguard Devon’s unique natural environments and their wildlife.

We believe wildlife affects every part of everyone's lives and that everything we do impacts nature. We know that the natural environment is under immense threat here in Devon, nationally, and globally. Our strategic plans include ambitious, innovative and large-scale conservation approaches to protect and enhance wildlife: species reintroductions; wide reaching education and engagement programmes; and campaigning and advocacy work.

The Role

We are seeking new trustees from a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experiences, who are committed to devoting time and effort to use their skills, knowledge and experience to help achieve the aims of Devon Wildlife Trust. Trustees will be expected to:

• Govern in line with our mission, values and charitable objectives
• Provide strategic direction (e.g. set policy, monitor performance) at Board level and in any sub-Committees and working groups involved with
• Be responsible for ensuring compliance with charity law, company law, and all other statutory and regulatory requirements
• Ensure that we effectively apply our resources exclusively in pursuance of the objects defined in our governing documents
• Examine organisational risks and the actions needed to minimise them, including those to our property and assets
• Enthusiastically contribute in meetings and via email
• Ensure efficient organisation administration, delegate day-to-day management to the CEO, and support and hold the CEO to account
• Treat all DWT staff and volunteers, including other Trustees, with respect and consideration; and abide by the decisions of the majority
• Put the interests of the Charity first and safeguard its reputation and values.

Trustees are individually accountable to the Board and to DWT’s members.

The Desired Applicants

Our new trustees will be:

• A member of DWT (or become one)
• Confident in communicating your views and making collective, impartial decisions
• Able to objectively analyse information, ask questions, and debate and provide challenge when necessary
• Able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with Nolan's 7 Principles of Public Life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership
• A team player, able to build mutually respectful relationships with others
• Happy to act as an ambassador and advocate for DWT (e.g. at events, on social media)
• Able to help develop the Trust’s networks with key partners, funders, donors and other stakeholder groups

Specific skills sought:

Underpinning everything listed below we are seeking candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experiences.

Conservation Management - An understanding of legal and risk matters associated with land & estate management (a qualified rural surveyor/ land agent would be ideal, for instance).

General ecology/ natural history knowledge (relevant to Devon)

Green Finance - Knowledge of emerging environmental investment markets, such as biodiversity net gain, carbon offsetting and nutrient neutrality.

Working with and through communities

Marine - Knowledge of marine & fisheries policy OR marine spatial planning OR marine conservation.

Further Information

For further information about Devon Wildlife Trust and the role of trustee, please download the Candidate Information Pack.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity, please submit an application with the following:

• An up to date CV with details of two referees (we will not contact them without your prior consent)
• A supporting statement which outlines your motivations for applying and how you meet the criteria for the role

Trustees Unlimited is our recruitment partner, so please send all applications to
applications@trustees-unlimited.co.uk with your full name and 'DWT' in the subject line.

For an informal discussion, please contact Melissa Baxter on 07789 985229 /
melissa.baxter@russam.co.uk

Closing date for applications: Monday 26th February 2024
Interviews with Devon Wildlife Trust: Week commencing 18th March 2024